Question

A study of adoptees whose biological mothers had schizophrenia found that the adoptees were most likely to develop schizophrenia _____. a. if their childhood friends later developed schizophrenia b. if they abused drugs during adolescence c. if they were raised in a disturbed adoptive home environment d. regardless of whether they were raised in a healthy or disturbed home environment

Short answer

The most likely scenario for an adoptee whose biological mother had schizophrenia to develop the disorder is 'd. regardless of whether they were raised in a healthy or disturbed home environment'.

Step-by-step solution

Environmental Factors vs Genetic Factors

Evaluate the choices given considering schizophrenia as a genetic and hereditary disorder. Choices a, b and c propose environmental factors such as friends developing schizophrenia, drug abuse during adolescence or being raised in a disturbed adoptive home. These factors might influence the development of the disorder but they are not the most likely to cause it.

Identifying the Most Influential Factor

Option D suggests that the adoptees are most likely to develop schizophrenia regardless of the kind of home environment, healthy or disturbed, they were brought up in. This implies that the most influential factor is genetic and not environmental.

Choosing the Correct Answer

Based on Steps 1 and 2, the choice that presents the most likely reason for adoptees to develop schizophrenia is option D, as it identifies the genetic factor as paramount over environmental influences. So, the most likely scenario for an adoptee whose biological mother had schizophrenia to develop the disorder would be regardless of whether they were raised in a healthy or disturbed home environment.

Key concepts

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors refer to the external influences and conditions that can impact a person's development and well-being. These can include social connections, living conditions, and cultural influences. In relation to schizophrenia, environmental factors are often considered alongside genetic predispositions to understand the disorder's development.

• Lifestyle choices, such as drug or alcohol use, can act as a significant environmental factor.


• Stressful life events or trauma might also play a role in triggering symptoms of schizophrenia in individuals with genetic vulnerability.


• Community and social relationships influence mental health and can either buffer against or exacerbate psychological disorders.

It is important to recognize that while genetic factors can predispose an individual to schizophrenia, environmental influences often interact with these genetic predispositions. This interaction can affect the likelihood and severity of the disorder.

Schizophrenia Development

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder characterized by a range of symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. Understanding its development involves considering both genetic and environmental factors.

• The onset of schizophrenia often occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, with symptoms typically emerging between ages 16 to 30.


• A combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors contributes to the development of schizophrenia.


• Early intervention and treatment are crucial in managing the symptoms and improving outcomes for individuals living with this condition.

Research has shown that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are at a higher risk of developing the disorder. However, not all individuals with such a genetic predisposition will necessarily develop schizophrenia, highlighting the role of environmental influences.

Adoptive Home Environment

The adoptive home environment refers to the setting in which an adopted child is raised and the various factors within this environment that can influence their development. In studies of schizophrenia, the adoptive home environment has been examined to discern its impact on the development of the disorder.

• A supportive and nurturing adoptive environment may help mitigate the risk of developing schizophrenia.


• An adoptive home characterized by conflict, stress, or instability may increase the risk, especially for those with a genetic predisposition.


• The interaction between adoptive home conditions and genetic factors has been a focus of significant research.

The importance of understanding these interactions is to help create environments that support the mental health needs of adoptees, particularly those at risk for psychological disorders.

Psychological Disorders

Psychological disorders, also known as mental disorders, are conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, and behavior. These disorders can significantly impact daily life and functioning, and they can vary widely in their nature and severity.

• Common types of psychological disorders include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.


• Psychological disorders often result from a combination of genetic predispositions, neurobiological factors, and environmental influences.


• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Treatment often involves a mix of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Understanding the contributing factors and manifestations of psychological disorders can aid in their management and the reduction of stigma surrounding mental health conditions.